Hitting your head can cause vertigo, a sensation of spinning even when there is no actual movement. Head injuries can disrupt the body’s balance system, leading to this disorienting sensation. This connection between head trauma and vertigo is well-documented and can manifest through various mechanisms.
How Head Injuries Cause Vertigo
A common cause of vertigo after a head injury is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) dislodge from their normal position in the inner ear and migrate into the semicircular canals. These dislodged crystals send false signals to the brain, leading to brief, intense spinning sensations often triggered by specific head movements. Direct trauma or indirect forces like whiplash can cause these crystals to come loose.
Another mechanism is a vestibular or labyrinthine concussion, an injury to the inner ear or vestibular nerve. Such trauma can result in inflammation or damage that disrupts the accurate transmission of balance signals. Symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, and hearing issues can arise.
Vertigo can also be a persistent symptom of Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). A concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury, can disrupt brain functions that process balance information. This disruption can lead to ongoing dizziness and unsteadiness.
Identifying Post-Head Injury Vertigo
Vertigo after a head injury is often described as a sensation of spinning, swaying, or unsteadiness. This differs from general lightheadedness, as it involves a perception of motion when none exists. Episodes can be sudden and last from a few seconds to several minutes.
Vertigo often occurs with other head injury symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Balance issues, ear fullness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may also be experienced.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention following a head injury, especially if vertigo develops. Immediate emergency care is warranted for severe head injuries, particularly if consciousness is lost for over 30 seconds. Worsening headaches, persistent vomiting, weakness or numbness in the limbs, slurred speech, or difficulty walking also require urgent medical evaluation. These symptoms can indicate a serious brain injury.
Even if initial symptoms appear mild, consult a doctor if vertigo is persistent, recurrent, or significantly impacts daily life. A healthcare provider can assess the specific cause of the vertigo and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can be important for effective management and recovery.
Managing and Treating Vertigo
Diagnosis of vertigo following a head injury typically begins with a medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers may perform specific tests to assess balance and inner ear function, such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which helps diagnose BPPV. Imaging scans might be used to rule out other underlying issues.
For BPPV, a common and effective treatment is the Epley maneuver, a series of specific head movements designed to reposition the dislodged otoconia back into their correct location in the inner ear. This procedure can often provide immediate relief from symptoms. Other repositioning maneuvers exist for different types of BPPV.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy that helps retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear dysfunction and improve balance. This therapy involves customized exercises that address specific balance and dizziness issues, helping the brain adapt to altered signals from the vestibular system. While medications might be used short-term to alleviate severe nausea or dizziness, they are generally not a long-term solution for the underlying cause of vertigo. Most individuals experience improvement with appropriate treatment, though recovery time can vary depending on the specific cause and severity.